Computer accessory having assemblage of mouse pad and paper pad

ABSTRACT

A handy computer accessory provides a mouse pad, which is cut out to provide an opening, and a paper pad in the opening. The paper pad consists of a stack of repositionable pressure sensitive adhesive sheets. When needed, the paper pad is visually and manually accessible to a computer operator. Graphics on the mouse pad and paper pad are functional and/or aesthetic. A used paper pad may be replaced easily by removing any residual backing and pressing a replacement paper pad into the opening in the mouse pad.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention

[0002] The present invention relates to mouse pads and paper pads, and, more particularly, to mouse pads of the type that provide a surface for frictional or optical contact with a computer mouse, and paper pads that are composed of a stack of repositionable sheets for the reception of hand-written notes or other visual matter.

[0003] 2. The Prior Art

[0004] Mouse pads, per se. are well known computer accessories that provide a surface for frictional or optical contact with a hand-operated computer mouse for interaction with the graphical user interface (GUI) of the computer. Many computer applications enable the entry of keyboard-driven electronic notes for such purposes as reminders, notices, remarks, references, etc. Such electronic notes sometimes either are not permitted or are too unwieldy for use in connection with the particular computer application being run. Small paper pads of pressure sensitive sheets are widely available for use in a myriad of situations in which handwritten notes are convenient to create and to affix at desired locations either permanently or temporarily. Oftentimes, attention is so focused when using a computer, that there may be inherent frustration when shifting attention between: the locations of small objects such as mouse pads and paper pads on the physical desktop (on which the computer rests); and the locations of small icons on the virtual desktop (of the computer screen). Facilitation is to be desired.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] The primary object of the present invention is to provide a handy computer accessory in which a mouse pad and a paper pad are structurally integrated and operationally coordinated. The mouse pad is a planar unit, which generally includes a lower elastomeric foam base and an upper accessible face, and which is cut out within its planar periphery to provide a receptacle in the form of an opening that has a profile of predetermined size and shape. The paper pad is a planar unit, which generally includes a stack of repositionable pressure sensitive sheets, and which has a profile of substantially the same predetermined size and shape as the opening in the mouse pad has. The paper pad is press fitted into the opening in which it is retained snugly. The paper pad and the opening thus are geometrically congruent. In one embodiment, the mouse pad and the paper pad have registered graphics that provide matching indicia or a seamless background design. In another embodiment, the upper accessible face is provided with elongated furrows for the reception and presentation of pens, pencils or crayons. In a further embodiment, the mouse pad is in the form of a desk pad which is sufficiently large to cover a major part of the surface of a conventional desk.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] For a fuller understanding of the nature and objects of the present invention, reference is made to the following specification, which is to be taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0007]FIG. 1 is an exploded view in perspective of a paper pad and mouse pad assemblage embodying the present invention;

[0008]FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the assemblage of FIG. 1, taken along the line 2-2 of FIG. 1;

[0009]FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the assemblage of FIG. 1, taken along the line 3-3 of FIG. 1;

[0010]FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the paper pad of FIG. 1;

[0011]FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a paper pad and mouse pad assemblage having graphics in accordance with the present invention;

[0012]FIG. 6 is a perspective view of another paper pad and mouse pad assemblage having graphics in accordance with the present invention;

[0013]FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a further paper pad and mouse pad assemblage having graphics in accordance with the present invention; and

[0014]FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a paper pad and desk pad assemblage, in which the desk pad provides a surface for coaction with a mouse and is sufficiently large to provide associated furrows for the reception and presentation of writing utensils.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0015] FIGS. 1 to 4 illustrate a preferred embodiment of a computer accessory of the present invention as comprising a handy combination, in which a mouse pad 20 and a paper pad 22 are structurally integrated and operationally coordinated.

[0016] Mouse pad 20 is a planar or plate-like unit, which generally includes a lower elastomeric foam base 24 and an upper face 26. Face 26 provides a frictional surface on which a mouse 28 is adapted to be moved. In one form, mouse 28 includes a contact ball that rolls in accordance with the movement of the mouse on the mouse pad. In another form, mouse 28 includes an optical detector (not shown) and an optical sight (not shown) for coaction with a contact area 30 on the mouse pad. In either case, movement of mouse 28 is translated to movement of an arrow or other indicator on the graphic user interface of a computer.

[0017] As shown, mouse pad 20 has a cutout 32 for the reception of paper pad 22. Paper pad 22 includes a stack of sheets 34. Cutout 32 constitutes a receptacle that has a planar profile of predetermined size and shape. The paper pad is a planar unit that is provided with a profile of substantially the same predetermined size and shape as does the window in the mouse pad. The paper pad is press fitted into the opening in which it is retained snugly. The paper pad and the opening thus are geometrically congruent. A web 36 that spans the back of cutout 32 limits movement of paper pad 22 into the cutout. In one form, the dimensions of this web are only sufficient to overlap the edges of the cutout. In another form, the dimensions of this web are sufficient to provide a backing for the entire mouse pad.

[0018] Each of sheets 34 has a front face that is adapted to receive pencil or pen notations, and a back face that, along at least one of its edges, has a band 38 of coating of repositionable pressure sensitive adhesive. In one form, this repositionable pressure sensitive adhesive is of the type sold under the trade designation, “Post-it” by Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Corporation. An example of this type of adhesive is disclosed in the following patent, which is incorporated herein by reference: U.S. Pat. No. 5,795,636, issued Aug. 18, 1998, in the names of Janet T. Keller, et. al. for “Positionable and Repositionable Adhesive Article”. This patent defines “positionable” as meaning an adhesive or pressure sensitive adhesive that can be placed against a substrate surface and easily slid over the surface into proper position without preadhering or sticking the adhesive article; pressure is generally required to adhere the adhesive article to the substrate”. This patent defines “repositionable” as meaning “an adhesive or pressure sensitive adhesive” being “one that can be applied and adhered to a substrate and then removed and reapplied without distorting, defacing, or destroying the film, adhesive, or substrate”.

[0019] In a preferred embodiment, the mouse pad and the paper pad have registered graphics that provide matching indicia. FIG. 5. illustrates the mouse pad as having along an edge of the cutout, a listing 42 of string variables, and illustrates each sheet of the paper pad as having a listing 44 of indicated areas to encourage consistent manual entry of information. FIG. 6 illustrates a decorative motif that blends the upper surfaces 46, 48 of the paper pad and the mouse pad to produce a seamless design. FIG. 7 illustrates an organization of indicia 50 on the mouse pad and indicia 52 on each sheet of the paper pad, which indicia are identically matched.

[0020] In another embodiment, as shown in FIG. 8, the mouse pad is in the form of a desk pad 54 that is sufficiently large to cover a substantial part of a conventional desk and to provide a plurality of furrows 56 in the form of elongated narrow troughs for the reception and immediate presentation of a plurality of pens, pencils, crayons or the like. In a further embodiment, the desk pad additionally provides a plurality of cut-outs for the reception of a plurality of pads of repositionable papers.

[0021] Operation

[0022] In operation, a computer operator uses mouse 28 in a conventional manner within bounds that are outside of cutout 32 and paper pad 22. When needed, the paper pad is visually and manually accessible. Graphics on the mouse pad and paper pad are functional and/or aesthetic. A used paper pad may be replaced easily by removing any residual backing and pressing a replacement paper pad into the cutout of the mouse pad. A finger notch 40, which tapers downwardly from the front to the back of the mouse pad and inwardly from the body of the mouse pad toward the cutout and the paper pad, facilitates removal of the sheets of the paper pad, one at a time. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A computer accessory comprising: a) a mouse pad and a paper pad; b) said mouse pad being a planar unit and including a lower resilient base and an upper face having a surface that coacts with a mouse; c) said mouse pad being cut out within its planar periphery to provide a receptacle that has a planar profile of predetermined size and shape; d) said paper pad being a planar unit and including a stack of repositionable paper sheets; e) said paper pad having a profile of substantially the same predetermined size and shape as has said receptacle; f) said paper pad being retained in said receptacle.
 2. The computer accessory of claim 1, wherein said lower resilient base is composed of an elasotmeric foam.
 3. The computer accessory of claim 1 wherein said upper face is composed of a member of the class consisting of vinyl polymer, leather, rubber, cloth and paper.
 4. The computer accessory of claim 1, wherein said paper pad is press fitted into said receptacle.
 5. The computer accessory of claim 1, wherein said mouse pad and said paper pad have adjacent registered indicia.
 6. The computer accessory of claim 1, wherein said mouse pad and the sheets of said paper pad have a seamless visual motif.
 7. The computer accessory of claim, wherein said mouse pad has at least one narrow trough for the reception of a writing implement.
 8. The computer accessory of claim 1, wherein said mouse pad has a finger notch, which tapers downwardly from the front to the back of the mouse pad and inwardly from the body of the mouse pad toward said receptacle, whereby to facilitate removal of said sheets of the mouse pad, one at a time.
 9. A computer accessory comprising: a) a mouse pad and a paper pad; b) said mouse pad being a planar unit and including a lower resilient base and an upper face having a surface that is adapted to coact with a mechanical or optical mouse; c) said mouse pad being cut out within its planar periphery to provide an opening that has a planar profile of predetermined size and shape; d) said paper pad being a planar unit and including a stack of repositionable paper sheets; e) said paper pad having a profile of substantially the same predetermined size and shape as has said opening; f) said paper pad being retained in said opening; g) said lower resilient base being composed of an elasotmeric foam; h) said upper face having furrows for the reception and presentations of writing implements; i) said paper pad being fitted into said opening; j) said mouse pad having a finger notch, which tapers downwardly from the front to the back of the mouse pad and inwardly from the body of the mouse pad toward said opening, whereby to facilitate removal of said sheets of the paper pad one at a time. k) each of said sheets having at its rearward edge a pressure sensitive adhesive.
 10. The computer accessory of claim 9, wherein said mouse pad and each of said sheets of said paper pad have adjacent registered indicia.
 11. The computer accessory of claim 9, wherein said mouse pad and each of said sheets of said paper pad have a seamless visual motif.
 12. The computer accessory of claim 9, wherein said mouse pad and each of said sheets of said paper pad have like graphical presentations.
 13. A computer accessory comprising: a) a desk pad and a paper pad; b) said desk pad being a planar unit and including a lower resilient base and an upper face having a surface that coacts with a mouse; c) said desk pad being cut out within its planar periphery to provide a receptacle that has a planar profile of predetermined size and shape; d) said paper pad being a planar unit and including a stack of repositionable paper sheets; e) said paper pad having a profile of substantially the same predetermined size and shape as has said receptacle; f) said paper pad being retained in said receptacle.
 14. The computer accessory of claim 13, wherein said lower resilient base is composed of an elasotmeric foam.
 15. The computer accessory of claim 13 wherein said upper face is composed of a member of the class consisting of vinyl polymer, leather, rubber, cloth and paper.
 16. The computer accessory of claim 13, wherein said paper pad is press fitted into said receptacle.
 17. The computer accessory of claim 13 wherein the profile of said desk pad is sufficiently large to cover a major portion of a conventional desk top.
 18. The computer accessory of claim 3 wherein said mouse pad is a desk pad that is adapted to cover a substantial part of a desk and has a plurality of furrows for the reception and presentations of desktop utensils, and a plurality of cut-outs for the reception and presentation of a plurality of pads of repositionable paper.
 19. The computer accessory of claim 9 wherein said mouse pad is a desk pad that is adapted to cover a substantial part of a desk and has a plurality of furrows for the reception and presentations of desktop utensils, and a plurality of cut-outs for the reception and presentation of a plurality of pads of repositionable paper. 